Fishing Spider

Looks how to spot one

Hairy exoskeleton

The body is mottled brownish-grey to dark brown, with a few white marks and dark W-shaped patterns on the upper abdomen. The long legs are banded with alternating brown and black rings. Females are much larger and heavier than males.216

Personality what they are like

Dark fishing spiders are shy and will usually run away from humans. They are not aggressive, but they are very fast and can startle owners. Bites are rare and generally no worse than a bee sting, though people sensitive to spider venom may have a stronger reaction.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

These spiders are nocturnal hunters and do not need exercise. They require an enclosure with vertical surfaces like cork bark for climbing and hiding. They do not build webs but will create a small silk retreat.56

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Very low maintenance. Mist the enclosure every few days to maintain moderate humidity, and provide a shallow water dish. Clean out leftover prey remains. Handle only when necessary, as they are delicate and fast.5

Home where they are happiest

A 5-gallon tank or similar enclosure with good ventilation is suitable. Provide a vertical piece of cork bark or similar rough surface for climbing and molting. Substrate can be soil or peat moss. Keep at room temperature (around 20-25°C) and mist every few days. A water dish is appreciated. Despite the name 'fishing spider', this species does not need open water.5

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feed live insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. They will also take waxworms and occasionally small fish or amphibians. They are ambush predators and will pounce on prey. Feed once or twice a week, adjusting portion size to the spider's size.56

Company who they like around

Solitary. Keep only one per enclosure, as they are cannibalistic. Males die during mating and are often eaten by the female. Not a pet for handling; best kept as a display animal.46

The story where it all began

The dark fishing spider was first described by Nicholas Marcellus Hentz in 1844. It is one of the largest spiders in North America and is often found in wooded areas, sometimes far from water. It has become a popular pet among invertebrate enthusiasts due to its impressive size, ease of care, and fascinating hunting behaviour. In the wild, it lives on tree trunks and under bark, and it sometimes enters homes, especially in autumn.213